Conway's Game of Life

Conway's Game of Life

Created by mathematician John Conway in 1970, Conway's Game of Life represents a fascinating cellular automaton simulation.

Game Mechanics

The game unfolds on an infinite two-dimensional grid composed of cells. Each cell exists in one of two states: alive or dead. The grid evolves through discrete generations, with each cell's fate determined by its eight immediate neighbors (adjacent horizontally, vertically, or diagonally).

Gameplay Rules

The simulation begins with an initial pattern (Generation 0). Subsequent generations emerge through simultaneous application of these fundamental rules:

• Survival: Living cells with exactly 2 or 3 living neighbors survive to the next generation
• Birth: Dead cells with exactly 3 living neighbors become alive
• Death: All other cells die or remain dead

Design Philosophy

Conway meticulously tested numerous rule variations before settling on these parameters. The chosen rules carefully balance between:

• Overpopulation leading to rapid extinction
• Unchecked expansion filling the grid
• Emergent complexity at this critical threshold

This delicate equilibrium fosters the emergence of remarkably complex patterns from simple deterministic rules.